How to Tell if a Yorkie Is the Right Weight

Last Updated: June 7, 2021

Yorkshire Terriers are small and cute dogs, they can be adorable due to their size and surprisingly smart. But what is to small for a Yorkie. This article will show you how to tell if a Yorkie is the right weight.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using a scale

1
Pick the right day. Make sure the Yorkie is relaxed and will stand for the scale and not misbehave.
2
Get the right equipment. Using a regular scale may not work, since a Yorkie is so small, Get the right tools for the job.
- You can do this at the vet's office. This idea is good, because there your vet will tell you if the dog is overweight or underweight and what to do about that. Also, the vet will usually have the proper tools for the job.
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3
Now weigh the dog. You can do this on a table or counter-top since the dog is so small and that would probably be easier for you.
4
Now find out if the dog is overweight or not. To do this you will need to know the average weight for the dog.
- Average size- Height= 8–9 inches (20.3–22.9 cm) Weight=4-7 pounds
- Overweight Yorkies can be around 10 pounds or more.
- If the dog is overweight monitor its diet or exercise it more.
5
Weigh the dog frequently, if you are trying to make them lose weight. And always compare to average weights, a dog the size of a Yorkie could lose weight fast.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Feeling the dogs sides

1
Place the dog on a surface that you can reach them. A counter-top or table is a good idea. Cover it with a cloth or towel for protection of the surface, but make sure nothing is to slippery.
2
Make sure the dog's hair does not get in the way. This can be done by grooming or pinning the dog's hair out of the way.
3
Place your hands on the dog. Make sure the dog is relaxed.
4
Feel the dog's ribs. Start at the dog's upper ribs and go down their body. If you cannot feel the where the dog's rib cage ends. Or you can't even feel the dog's ribs this is an indication of an overweight or obese dog.
5
Feel the dog's waist. Yorkies usually only have a very small area that could even be called a waist.
- If the waist is to big or easily felt then the dog is probably underweight.
- If the waist is to small or cannot be felt then the dog is probably overweight.
- If you have trouble telling what is normal ask your vet to show you, so that you know for sure.

Community Q&A

Question

Are silky Yorkies different?

Sardiine

Community Answer

They have a silky coat. The personality traits are no different than other Yorkies.
Question

How can I help my Yorkie lose weight when she doesn't want to walk?

Community Answer

You can control her food portions. You can also ration the calorie she gets from treats by giving her pieces of dog food rather than other treats and not feeding her table scraps. If she doesn't want to walk, see if you can get her interested in other activities, such as playing fetch in the yard or even chasing a toy in the house.